Best Wood Stoves in Canada

The Englander stove is one of the oldest and, unsurprisingly, one of the best wood stoves available in Canada. This non-catalytic stove has an impressive heating range of about 2400 square feet, making it a suitable option for large room sizes. 

Talking about the effectiveness of the Englander stove, this stove can output heat energy up to 75,000 BTUs while maintaining impressive efficiency in terms of fuel consumption, a particularly appreciated feature in the winter.  

The design of this stove makes it one of the easiest to assemble. For example, the vent is standard-sized. In addition, fueling and maintenance are easy, thanks to the stove’s spacious door and ash pan. Finally, adding beauty to your space, especially with the fire view. 

Based on Our Tests

Testing the Englander showed me a heating range suitable for moderately large homes. I also commend the efficiency as regards fuel consumption. Ultimately, this stove can be gotten at a price that makes it one of the best-valued stoves in Canada.

Like the Englander wood stove mentioned above, this stove is also non-catalytic. However, it can only effectively heat a space of about 1800 square feet. Despite the lower space capacity, it is still one of the best stoves around, thanks to the quality in performance. 

This stove is impressively efficient in fuel consumption, so you don't have to worry about frequent refueling. While natural vent stoves tend to lose some of the heat generated to the exhaust pipes, this stove's output is complimented with a blower, a feature absent in the Englander stove. The BTU generated by the stove exceeds 62,000 units. 

As one of the best modern wood stoves, this stove is sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. The self cleaning system of this stove's glass is quite efficient, not only for the aesthetics but also for easy maintenance through periods of use. Finally, this stove is quite easy to set up and maintain especially with the lower cost of parts compared to direct vent stoves.

Based on Our Tests

My tests showed the Pleasant Hearth stove to be quite sturdy. In addition, I liked the efficiency of the self-cleaning system, which effectively reduces the time spent cleaning the stove. You should consider the pleasant hearth if you are looking at a long-lasting stove for your room.

If you are more interested in the best wood stove for camping, this stove might just be what you want. In addition, the Winnerwell stove can double as the best small wood stove for cabins in Canada due to its considerably lighter weight compared to others.

This model is easy to carry (thanks to its lightweight design) and allows for effortless set-up, which means you can take it to your hikes or simply keep yourself warm when hanging out in your garden house.

Another cool thing about this wood stove is the material it’s made of. Using ultralight titanium, it doesn’t weigh that much and allows for improved portability. At the same time, titanium is very efficient when it comes to heat transfer. Therefore, this wood stove by Winnerwell can make you feel comfortably warm even if you find yourself in a very cool environment.

Based on Our Tests

According to my tests, I discovered that this lightweight stove outputs sufficient heat energy to fill a small room or a tent. This is the kind of stove you may want if you enjoy camping or you like staying in the outhouse.  

Another model that deserves to be among the best wood stoves in Canada is the Fltom camping stove, which can offer a bit more than just a compact design and increased portability. This model is super easy to assemble, which means you won’t have to waste your time when setting up camp. In addition, this stove is suitable for cooking while camping, thanks to it being one of the best low-clearance wood stoves available. This means you will be both warm and full when camping with the Fltom.

You might also appreciate the fact that this wood stove has sturdy legs and a stainless chimney pipe. It can be used even in unfavorable weather conditions to keep you warm and cozy. And because the Fltom has a high heat output, it can quickly reach hot temperatures and warm your tent in almost no time.

Based on Our Tests

The Fltom stove is a stove with a dual purpose. My tests showed that the stove’s chimney makes it a viable option for cramped spaces as I could simply place the chimney extension in a safe place. Also, the stove’s low clearance made it easy for me to use it for cooking, making it a good option for campers and open gatherings.

Types of Wood Stoves Explained

All the wood stoves in Canada are classified by the processes they use for burning wood. Those are catalytic and non-catalytic combustion. If you have no idea what that means — read on!

Catalytic Wood Stoves

These use the catalytic combustion process and are equipped with a catalytic damper — a coated ceramic element that resembles a honeycomb. The exhaust passes through this honeycomb and the smoke particles and gasses ignite and burn, which allows for lower emission levels.

Catalytic wood burners have the following advantages:

• longer and more even heat output;
• higher energy efficiency;
• fewer pollutants in the exhaust smoke.

Note, though, that the catalytic element should be replaced every couple of years, and the stove will need more frequent, deep cleaning after every season. Plus, catalytic stoves are generally more expensive than non-catalytic models. 

Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves

As the name implies, these stoves don’t have a catalytic combustor. However, they reduce emission levels by having a slightly different construction and features, such as:

• a baffle that creates a longer path for the exhaust so that most of the pollutants can burn off;
• firebox insulation to heat up the exhaust;
• air tubes that re-introduce the heated air into the stove and create a secondary burn.

Typically, these elements — a baffle, a firebox, and tubes — will also need regular replacement because they tend to deteriorate under the high heat.

It’s also worth noting that non-catalytic stoves are cheaper than those with a catalytic combustor and will work better for occasional use and for warmer climates.

But here’s the real deal:

Deciding on the type is really a matter of personal preference. If you want a modern and more technological model, go for a catalytic stove. For those who prefer a more traditional wood burner, a non-catalytic stove will make a good pick.

Choosing the Right Wood Burning Stove: Essentials You Need to Consider

Choosing a top-rated wood stove in Canada isn’t that hard if you consider all the important factors in advance:

• Coverage area. This is the first thing you have to determine when choosing a wood stove because you certainly don’t want any cold corners in the room. Every model has a coverage area it’s designed to heat, so be sure to check this with the manufacturer. Both room size and stove size matter here.
• Heat output. It is marked in British Thermal Units (BTU) and shows how much heat the stove can produce. Typically, it takes approximately 3,000 BTUs to heat a standard 10 x 10 feet (3 x 3 meter) room (1). Also, note that the heat output may depend on the type of wood you use. Hardwoods are slower to burn and produce more heat, which makes them more effective during the winter period, whereas softwoods burn faster and have smaller heat output, so you can use them during spring and fall months.
• Location. Your choice of a wood stove also depends on where you’re going to install it. Typically, stoves are put in well-insulated places, so basements or boiler rooms are out of consideration. Placing the stove in the center of a room is a good idea — this way, the heat will radiate from it and will evenly warm up the place. Note that it’s better to draw the room’s layout with all the furniture elements arranged on it so that you could better understand where the stove can be installed and which design will work best for that location.
• Firebox size. A highly rated wood stove with a large firebox can hold up more wood and will burn it for a longer time, which makes it more efficient. Also, the larger the firebox, the less work you’ll have to do to prepare the wood before you put it in there. However, models with a big firebox are likely to be more expensive, so keep that in mind when outlining your budget.
• Safety considerations. Installing a wood burner for residential use requires some safety measures. First, the stove and all the corresponding parts and accessories should meet the CSA B415.1-10 safety standard (2). Second, choose an installation company or an individual who passed the Wood Energy Technical Training (WETT) program: this ensures that they are qualified to install wood burners according to safety standards (3)

Quick tip:

The best type of hardwood for burning is evergreen oak: it produces around 36.6 million BTUs per cord (4).